I personally have no opinion it, but just mention it is since they were disagreement on why the US model might not have the same style as the rest.
http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/rulings/HeadRest/update/202FinalRule.html#doc6
It seems like this would have allowed the European version, under the "non use" position, but that changed in 2010 because the government was concerned that someone would fail to put the headrest in the "use position". The reason that the mazda 6/cx-3 have different styles might have to do with the differences in the seats. Read below for the 2010 update.
https://www.federalregister.gov/art...vehicle-safety-standards-head-restraints#h-16
http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/rulings/HeadRest/update/202FinalRule.html#doc6
Agency response: As discussed above, NHTSA has concluded that any voluntarily installed rear head restraints must meet the height requirements proposed in the NPRM. Specifically, the optional rear head restraints must reach a minimum height of not less than 750 mm above the H-point.
In the NPRM, we indicated that the 750 mm minimum head restraint height would reach above the head center of gravity of approximately 93 percent of all adults. We note that with respect to the rear seat head restraint target population, the 750 mm height would sufficiently protect an even higher percentage of rear seat passengers because larger occupants typically sit in front seats.
Some manufacturers stated that a taller rear head restraint might interfere with seat mechanisms designed to provide access to and from third row seats. Because we have decided not to require rear head restraints, a manufacturer concerned with functionality of these mechanisms need not install a head restraint in the affected seats. Additionally, as will be discussed in sections IX.b. and c., the manufacturers will be allowed to install removable rear outboard head restraints or rear outboard head restraints with "non-use positions."
Several commenters discussed the possible effects of the proposed head restraint height increases on vehicle utility with respect to seat folding and cargo capacity. The Alliance, DaimlerChrysler, Honda and GM commented that the rear head restraint heights proposed in the NPRM could impede seat folding, thus limiting cargo capacity, or otherwise limit interior configuration possibilities.
Since rear outboard head restraints will not be mandatory, vehicle manufacturers need not equip their rear seats with head restraints. Further, as will be discussed in section IX, if the manufacturers provide rear outboard head restraints, they will be allowed to make them removable and to design them so that they can be moved into "non-use positions." As a result, manufacturers will have ample design flexibility to address the cargo carrying needs of their customers.
It seems like this would have allowed the European version, under the "non use" position, but that changed in 2010 because the government was concerned that someone would fail to put the headrest in the "use position". The reason that the mazda 6/cx-3 have different styles might have to do with the differences in the seats. Read below for the 2010 update.
https://www.federalregister.gov/art...vehicle-safety-standards-head-restraints#h-16
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